Scholarships and bursaries both cut private school fees, but they work in different ways. A scholarship rewards talent, while a bursary depends on what your family can afford.
This guide explains each one, how much they are usually worth and when to apply at 11+. Every school runs its own scheme, so treat the examples here as a guide and check each school.
- Scholarship: an award for talent or attainment, often worth up to about 10% of fees.
- Bursary: means-tested help with fees, which can reach 100% at some schools.
- Reviews: bursaries are usually reassessed every year, while scholarships usually last as long as your child keeps up the standard.
- Timing: ask about both when you register, well before the entrance tests.
Scholarship vs bursary: the difference
The simplest way to remember it is that a scholarship is about the child and a bursary is about the family's finances. You can apply for both at many schools.
| Scholarship | Bursary | |
|---|---|---|
| What it rewards | Academic ability or a talent such as music, sport, art or drama | Financial need |
| Means-tested? | No, family income does not matter | Yes, based on income and assets |
| Typical value | Often up to about 10% of fees, sometimes more | Anything up to 100% of fees at some schools |
| How long it lasts | Usually while your child keeps up the standard and conduct | Usually reassessed every year |
| How you get it | Entrance test results, a scholarship day, audition or trial | A financial form, documents and sometimes a home visit |
How much is a scholarship worth?
Less than many parents expect. Merchant Taylors' School in Crosby offers 11+ scholarships of up to 10% of tuition fees, and Repton caps its awards at 10% even if a pupil wins more than one.
Some awards are larger. North London Collegiate School's music scholarship is worth 10% to 20% of fees, so check each school.
If you need more help than that, a bursary is usually where it comes from. Schools tend to keep big fee reductions for families who need them.
How long each award lasts
A scholarship usually lasts through the school while your child keeps up the standard. Merchant Taylors' says its scholarships run for the pupil's time at school, subject to good conduct and progress.
A bursary is usually reassessed each year. Merchant Taylors' reviews its bursaries annually using the family's latest financial details, so the amount can change if your income does.
Can you combine a scholarship and a bursary?
At many schools, yes. St Edmund's School in Canterbury says a means-tested bursary can be added to a scholarship where fees are still too high.
The rules differ between schools, including any overall cap. Ask each school how the two work together.
Types of scholarship
- Academic. Usually based on the entrance test, sometimes with a scholarship day or interview. Merchant Taylors' invites selected pupils to a scholarship day with interviews and subject tasks.
- Music. Many schools expect about Grade 4 to 5 on the main instrument at 11+. St Edmund's asks for Grade 4 standard, and North London Collegiate asks for Grade 5 distinction on the first instrument.
- Sport. Schools look at current level and potential, often through a trial. What counts as strong enough varies, so check each school.
- Art. Usually a portfolio and an assessment. Ask each school what to bring and when.
- Drama. Usually an audition with a prepared piece.
- All-rounder. Some schools reward a child who is strong across several areas. Not every school offers this at 11+.
Most schools still expect a good result in the entrance test for a talent award. North London Collegiate, for example, asks music applicants for a reference from their instrument teacher.
Assessment days, references and recalls
Music, art, drama and sport awards usually have their own application and assessment. Merchant Taylors' asks for a separate application and invites shortlisted children to an audition or assessment.
Schools often ask for a reference from a teacher, coach or current school. Start collecting exam certificates and contact details early.
A recall or shortlist only means the school wants to see more. It is not a promise of an award, so prepare your child for either result.
How bursary means tests work
You fill in a financial form and send documents such as payslips, tax returns and bank statements. Schools look at income and assets, and some also carry out a home visit, as Merchant Taylors' does.
There is no national income limit. Each school sets its own limits and rules, so read each school's bursary policy before you apply.
What the ISC census shows
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) 2025 census found the average means-tested bursary was worth about £13,850 a year. Over half of means-tested bursaries covered more than 50% of fees.
Over the past five years, means-tested bursaries and scholarships rose 21%, while non-means-tested scholarships rose only 10%. In other words, more of schools' help now goes to families on the basis of need.
VAT on school fees
Since 1 January 2025, VAT at the standard rate of 20% applies to private school fees in the UK. Ask each school whether its quoted fees include VAT and how it applies to any award.
When to apply
- Year 5, spring and summer: visit schools and read their scholarship and bursary pages. Note every deadline.
- Early Year 6, autumn: register for the entrance test and tick the scholarship and bursary boxes. Bursary forms are often due around the same time.
- Year 6, November to January: most independent school entrance tests take place. Talent auditions and scholarship days often sit around these dates.
- Year 6, winter and spring: offers arrive, with any scholarship or bursary shown alongside the place.
Dates differ a lot between schools, so check each school's admissions calendar. Missing a bursary deadline can rule you out even if your child wins a place.
Questions to ask each school
- What is the most a scholarship can be worth, and is there a cap across several awards?
- Can a bursary be added to a scholarship?
- What is the income threshold for a bursary, and what documents do you need?
- Is the bursary reassessed every year, and what happens if our income changes?
- What standard do you expect for music, sport, art or drama at 11+?
- When are the scholarship days, and who writes the reference?
- Do the fees you quote include VAT?
Get ready for the entrance tests
Academic scholarships usually start with the entrance test. Pip gives adaptive maths, English and reasoning practice that starts at your child's level.
Sources
These facts were checked on the official pages below on 27 September 2026. Schemes change each year, so confirm with each school before you apply.
- Independent Schools Council: Census and Annual Report 2025 (PDF)
- GOV.UK: VAT on private school fees
- Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby: Scholarships and Bursaries
- Repton School: Scholarships
- St Edmund's School Canterbury: Music Scholarship, Year 7
- North London Collegiate School: Music Scholarships
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?+
A scholarship rewards talent or high attainment, whatever the family income. A bursary is help with fees based on what the family can afford, and it is means-tested.
How much is a private school scholarship worth at 11+?+
Many schools cap scholarships at about 10% of fees, such as Merchant Taylors' School in Crosby. Some awards are worth more, so check each school.
Can my child have a scholarship and a bursary together?+
Often yes. Some schools, such as St Edmund's School in Canterbury, say a means-tested bursary can top up a scholarship, but check each school.
Are bursaries reviewed every year?+
Usually, yes. Schools such as Merchant Taylors' reassess bursaries each year using the family's latest financial details.
What music grade is needed for an 11+ music scholarship?+
Many schools look for about Grade 4 to 5 on the main instrument at 11+. St Edmund's asks for Grade 4 standard, and North London Collegiate School asks for Grade 5 distinction on the first instrument.
Does a recall for a scholarship mean my child will get one?+
No. A recall or shortlist means the school wants to see more, not that an award is promised.
What is the income limit for a bursary?+
There is no single limit. Each school sets its own means test, so check each school's bursary policy.
Do I pay VAT on private school fees?+
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, VAT at the standard rate of 20% applies to private school fees in the UK.
The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers.